What's it like to have a baby in lockdown? One Northampton mum reveals her experience

A Northampton mum has launched a new blog detailing her experience of having a baby during the coronavirus lockdown.

Jade Chilvers set her her online diary at https://newborninaquarantinetime.wordpress.com/ which traces her last couple of days of her pregnancy and then bringing a newborn into the world during a pandemic.

Jade runs The Bear Pub in Northampton with her husband, Dan, and says they are both at home, waiting for the day they can introduce William to his grandparents and family...and all of their regulars.

Here is Jade's story, in her own words:

"I gave birth to little William Robert Chilvers on Saturday 28th March 2020, he was 5 days late (should of been born the day we all got locked down!).

"I went into labour at 2pm on the Thursday, and ended up going to Northampton General that evening as I thought little man wasn't moving around like he should have been. Over the phone, I was told that it would only be me allowed onto the ward, and Dan (my husband) would have to stay in the car, upsetting, but competently understandable. I arrived, waited in the waiting room and then was taken into the assessment room. The midwives were amazing, explained everything to me, and didn't leave me alone for very long at all.

"I was sent home a few hours later as little man was too comfy! With a induction booked in for Saturday at 5pm!

"However, on Friday we were waiting for a call from the ward too see if our induction could be brought forward, and ended up having to ring them. We were asked to come back to the hospital for some checks, However, this time we headed to Area K, the maternity day ward, I was checked over, bump attached to the EMT machine, all ok, and was sent home again. The midwives again were amazing, they were so apologetic about the fact Dan had to sit in the car, and they were always around and explaining everything.

"The contractions became horrible later that evening. I felt everything in my back, couldn't relax in a bath, couldn't stay calm, couldn't sit down... so I paced, and paced our room, the landing, the bathroom... I had a hot water bottle shoved down my back, but the pain slowly became unbearable! Dan rang the labour ward for a third time... and in we went.

"A third time of Dan (more prepared this time with energy drinks and a blanket) waiting in the car whilst I was hooked up to the EMT machine. All ok with bubba... then came the inspection... but brought to me by Gas and Air! Which made the whole thing bearable! 4cm! And the second stage of labour! Dan was allowed in! With all the bags!

"I gave birth at 7.10am Saturday morning, I needed an episiotomy and a lot the team were amazing, they all had to wear masks and an apron (i believe it had only just been made uniform) and you could see it was uncomfortable, however it didn't stop them doing a superb job!

"Dan was allowed to stay with me until I was moved to the ward, our lovely midwife sent me for a shower whilst William was being checked over.

"Once I was on the ward, the whole team were so helpful, I was only in for 24 hours, but what a first 24 hours! Nothing prepares you for the first poos! And without the support of your partner to help and/or take over, every feed, change and cry is down to you!

"But the midwives and whole team would check constantly, make sure both of us had what we needed, supported me through the feeds, talked to me, they were so friendly, even though you could tell they were worried (they were talking abut where they have to wear the masks and how uncomfortable they were, so I think it was the first day of having to wear them.)

"As unfortunate as it was that my husband wasn't allowed to stay, the team made everything seem normal, gave you as much time as you needed, supported you at every time of the day and made sure that you and baby were ok at all times!

"One midwife, a lovely lady that had returned after retiring part time (before Corona) spent a good hour talking to me about how she was scared to be working still as she was vulnerable herself, but said she wouldn't dream of leaving during the pandemic as she wanted to be there for all the new mothers!

"Early Sunday afternoon, me and William were escorted to the double doors, a midwife had the car seat, and handed it to Dan to load us up and take us home!

"I cannot thank the wonderful team enough! They were amazing in the eyes of the unknown!

"We also had our 5 day check up at Far Cotton Rec centre. We waited in the car until I was called in, temp was taken and i had to wash my hands...DAn still had to stay in the car.

"And then our health visitor did visit our home for our 10-day check, with a mask and apron.

"For us, the experience was strange, but handled extremely well and everyone made me feel so calm and cared about!

"Five weeks down and all we want now is to see our family!"